Surgical Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Carpo-Metacarpal Joint of the Thumb: Indications for Arthrodesis, Excision of the Trapezium, and Alloplasty

Abstract

On the basis of 53 operations for degenerative arthritis of the carpo-metacarpal joint of the thumb the author reports the characteristic (ideal) operative results following arthrodesis of the first carpo-metacarpal joint, excision of the trapezium, and alloplasty using Swanson's implant. The indications for the various procedures adapted to the patients' work etc. are described. The complications are partly technical, and may be avoided with increasing experience, partly more theoretical, and may be avoided by suitable precautions relating to operative technique.